Master of Arts in International Relations

(English language programme)

The MA in International Relations (IR) offers a specialization in International Political Economy and Chinese Foreign Affairs. The programme takes full advantage of Beijing’s cultural and academic dimensions and its increasing role in international economics, politics, and social issues.

Upon their graduation, our students are qualified to pursue a wide range of careers in the field of International Relations, including work for national governments, IGOs and NGOs. The program includes core coursework that covers the fundamentals of IR theory, research methods in IR, the workings of the global economy, and an overview of global security issues with a particular emphasis on China’s engagement in global governance. In addition to the core classes, students have the opportunity to join the conferences and lectures organized by SIR, as well as other extracurricular activities organized by major think tanks in Beijing, allowing them to develop in-depth knowledge in their chosen research tracks. During the fourth semester, the MA candidates are expected to write an MA thesis, as their core research, under the supervision of a SIR faculty member.

The curriculum ensures that graduates emerge with a comprehensive perspective on international issues and a clear understanding of the means by which these issues are researched, discussed, and acted upon. SIR puts a strong emphasis on developing an applied expertise during the Master programme. The final MA thesis, which each student must orally defend before a panel of faculty members, reflects such an emphasis.

The programme’s balance of intellectual and theoretical mastery with hands-on Chinese core perspectives of IR prepares you for a successful professional life, not only as an IR specialist but as a fine connoisseur of China’s international commitments, priorities and perspectives.

Starting Date

September each year

Duration

2 years. In well-grounded cases, such as following an exchange programme overseas, the Master programme could be extended up to 4 years.

Admission

Though the application can be directly submitted through China Scholarship Council, SIR strongly encourages the prospective students to apply directly, through UIBE’s School of International Education. 

The prospective candidates will be screened according to their learning performance, motivation for the study of International Relations, leadership qualities and extracurricular activities.

Additionally, applicants must hold an accredited Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Law or any other related major. Students who do not meet these minimum requirements, if otherwise admissible, may be assigned additional coursework in excess of degree requirements specified at the time of admission. Excellent personal and academic qualifications are required.

A certificate of English-language proficiency or certificate of attendance of previous English-taught academic programmes may be required for non-native speakers.

Coursework

Dissertation

The Dissertation is considered the capstone of the Masters programme and should emphasize the candidates’ ability to conduct independent research in the field of International Relations. The master thesis will be written in English and contain between 6,000 and 8,000 words.

The thesis is expected to be submitted during the fourth semester, before March 10 of the graduation year.

Tuition

The annual tuition fee is RMB50,000. Multiple scholarship schemes are available.